Police Arrest Three Impersonators of EFCC in Student Robbery Case

Three individuals impersonating EFCC officials were arrested in Niger after abducting and robbing students. Two accomplices were also taken into custody. The suspects demanded a ransom but were caught by police, who were alerted on May 13. Authorities continue to investigate this serious crime involving fabricated identification.

In Niger State, authorities have apprehended three individuals impersonating operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) who allegedly abducted and robbed students at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai. According to a statement released by the Niger Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, two accomplices were also arrested alongside the main suspects.

The situation unfolded on May 13, around 8:00 PM. Police received a tip that four men had invaded an off-campus lodge, posing as EFCC agents, and had abducted two students. The suspects fled the scene in a Toyota Corolla, license plate number ABJ 245 CU. Following an immediate mobilization of police operatives from the Lapai Division, authorities managed to track down the vehicle to Suleja Road, near Kwakuti, where the arrests took place.

Identified as Emmanuel Linus, 30, Hyelda Aliyu, 28, and Abduljallid Tanko, 33—all residents of Abuja—the suspects are now in custody. One other individual, named Alfa James, managed to escape during the incident. The police reported that during questioning, the suspects admitted to being hired by their informants, revealing that this criminal activity was their means of income.

The group allegedly entered one student’s room wielding electric tasers, which they pretended were firearms, and stole five mobile phones alongside abducting two individuals. During their act, they had initially demanded a ransom of 10 million Naira from the students, which was later negotiated down to 500,000 Naira.

Furthermore, Abiodun mentioned that the identification cards used during the robbery were fabricated in a shop located in Nyanya, Abuja, all sharing the same identification number of 1069. Authorities identified the two informants as Mohammed Hassan and Hamisu Adamu, both residing in Angwan-Hausa, Lapai. Abiodun noted that Emmanuel Linus had a troubling history, having been a dismissed soldier with past convictions dating back two years.

The investigation is still ongoing, with the suspects set to face charges in court after further scrutiny by the State Criminal Investigation Department. It has been a serious blow for the local community, and authorities are committed to addressing such criminal activities swiftly.

The arrest of these suspects highlights the ongoing issue of impersonation and crime within student communities. With the police continuing their investigations, they aim to bring all involved parties to justice. The quick response from the police may have prevented further actions from these impersonators, and stringent measures are expected in light of the incident.

Original Source: punchng.com